Iconic Cars of the 90s

The 1970s and 1980s were a depressing era for automobiles. Most of their designs were boxy and edgy, and the performance was mostly awful. Drivers often encounter engine problems with their 70s or 80s cars, and no one drove a fast car, except those who could afford a Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The 90s ushered a new era of change in the automobile industry. Designers ditched the straight edge and began creating curvy cars again. Technology has developed and better engines were produced to comply with emissions requirements better.

Here are some of the cars that shaped the 90s:

1. McLaren F1

Considered by car enthusiasts as “the greatest automobile ever created” and “the most excellent sports car of all time,” the McLaren F1 is definitely one of the best-looking cars ever produced during the 90s. The curvy coupe first released in 1992 has a three-seat setup and a top speed of 237 mph. Its massive wheels, low-slung design and aggressive side cutouts speaks volumes as a pure performance car. Its engine compartment is even lined in 24k gold to aid in heat dispersal! People who have driven it says it handles perfectly and presents every detail of the road to the driver. The McLaren F1 is truly engineered to precision as it accelerates like it’s competing with time itself.

2. Dodge Viper

Born in 1992, the Dodge Viper is a successful sports coupe with the last generation produced just this year. Its over-the-top engine and curvaceous body was its distinctive feature, and is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. The 1998 version of the Viper is fast and precise, but somehow its brakes was weak, having considerably longer stopping distances than its competitors.

3. BMW M5

The BMW M5 is a mid-sized sports sedan perfect for a family going on a road trip. Released in 1998, the M5 has a confident-looking appearance with its unusual wheel designs and round headlights. It was a charmer that can manage a 0 to 60 sprint in less than 5 seconds. Three generations of M5 reached US roads during the 90s: the E28 in 1988, E34 in 1991, and E39 in 1999. According to some rumors, BMW was originally contented with the performance of the 5-series, but was triggered to create the M5 after seeing the Jaguar XJR.

4. Mazda RX-7

To the average guy in the 90s, the Mazda RX-7 is a pretty sports car within reach. The third generation RX-7 that debuted in 1991 was one of the best affordable sports car available in the decade. It has great handling, great chassis and sequentially twin-turbocharged rotary engine. For a sports car by Mazda made in the 90s, the RX-7 was brilliant and impressive.

5. Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra’s engine traces its roots to the Toyota 2000GT, and its styling was derived from the Toyota Celica. It was originally a version of the Celica until it became its own model during the 90s. It is comfortable to ride on and easy to drive, plus it has the ability to compete with the supercars of the decade at a cheaper price. It became a sporty alternative to Toyota’s mostly basic and plain transportation options. And thanks to The Fast and the Furious, Supra gained its reputation as a cool street racer.

6. Ferrari F50

The Ferrari F50 was Ferrari’s gift to itself during its golden anniversary in 1995. It was spectacular, but was often overshadowed by the iconic status of its predecessor, the F40, and the prestige of its successor, the Enzo. However, its 500 hp, V12 engine and handsome Italian bodywork is not something to simply overlook. Only 349 units has of the supercar has been produced. The F50’s deep sculpting and dished wheels, with the spoiler almost as tall as the roof, made it one of the best-looking cars of the 90s.

7. Nissan 300ZX

The Nissan 300ZX was a stand-out at its time. Its classic tail, narrow-nose coupe body, thin roofline and trendy wheel designs looks contemporary. It was one of the first automobiles designed and made with a CAD program and a rear wheel steering system. It was notable enough to be awarded by Motor Trend as “Import Car of the Year” in 1990, and included on Car and Driver’s “Ten Best Cars in the World” for seven straight years: 1990 to 1996.

8. Ford F-150

Ford’s F-Series family of trucks was sold since the 1970s as a commercial vehicle. However, in 1997, Ford decided to haul away the F-150 from the F-Series’ target market and sell it as a personal or family car. Its major upgrade from the previous generation was the V6 engine, and most of its users loved it.

9. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Inspired by the style of the 1960s Lotus Elan, Mazda MX-5 Miata is lightweight, modern and reliable. It continues to be the best-selling two-seater convertible sports car in history. Since its release in the 1990, it changed the automobile world as it brought the possibility of owning a high-powered but inexpensive roadster to car enthusiasts. It has won numerous awards like “best sports car of the 1990s” and “ten best sports cars of all time” from Sports Car International, and has been listed as one of the “Ten Best” for 14 times by Car and Driver magazine.

10. Acura NSX

Acura NSX, known outside North America as the Honda NSX, is a mid-engine sports car that captured the 90s vibe. It’s a non-expensive supercar that oozes striking appeal and Honda reliability. It boasts of great engineering with the tuning touch of Ayrton Senna, the late Formula One World Champion. The Acura NSX changed the supercar game because you won’t expect to invest in too much repair and maintenance with this car.

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The Rise of the Automobile Industry

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